The latest to cut staff: iBiquity

[calstymes]

SUPERCASTER reminded us:

I was told right on this board that iBiquity and HD radio was the wave of the future, will soon be everywhere, in everything, standard equipment in every car, many portables and pocket radios are being introduced, there are hundreds of new HD radio models now on the market with more being introduced, millions sold, and HD radio will save radio broadcasting.

Of course, from the same HD peddlers we heard CD quality sound, no signal dropouts, always perfect reception, get hundreds of new stations between the stations, no interference, HD coverage the same or better then analog, yada, yada. (More like nada, nada.)

Thank you for reminding us about where we all came from, Supe. I do remember those predictions with incredible clarity. Many of those predictors appear to no longer participate here. It is a certain shame, since a smug gloat is often such sweet and appropriate payback for stupidity, particularly when the predictors took an "I'm an awful lot smarter than you are" attitude.

 

[Savage]

Excellent point, Cal. I've said for more than a year and a half that the HD crowd had better be sure they were absolutely right, because their self-congratulatory, arrogant demeanor would sound awfully dumb later on if it ultimately were proven they weren't. And look what's happened....

Some of the former HD-promoting posters that used to lecture and hector anyone who expressed concerns - no matter how obviously legitimate - have simply bailed. I would say, that's human nature. Who voluntarily hangs around for the payback?

The take-away here is: I don't care if you're some big freakin' CBS cheese or how many EE degrees you have or how many Mass Media Bureau government dweebs you have in your pocket. There's still a difference between right and wrong. And big or small, we all need a dose of humility and respect for our colleagues. The most distressing thing about HD has been the arrogant dismissal of every broadcaster who could potentially be harmed by the interference, and the willingness for big group radio people to trespass and bulldoze anyone who might be in the way of the agenda. HD Radio has been sadly divisive, which given the nature of the issue, was unavoidable. It was incredibly stupid and myopic for the HD crew to think that their idea was so wonderful that they'd just get away with screwing everybody who wasn't a member-in-good-standing in their little IBOC clubhouse.

So, Walden, Ray, Alexander, Mason, Smyth et al: enjoy your dish of festering HD crow. As you duck the layoffs and cutbacks in your bloated, bureaucratic neanderthal companies.

You cooked it up for all of us. Now: YOU eat it.

 

[clouseau]

SUPERCASTER reminded us:

I was told right on this board that iBiquity and HD radio <Snip> will soon be everywhere, in everything, standard equipment in every car, <Blah blah Blah>

I do remember those predictions with incredible clarity.

Well maybe "YOU" can show us a source for this comment since you remember it with such "Incredible Clarity".

Where on this board was it ever claimed HD radio "will soon be everywhere, in everything, standard equipment in every car" ?

Clouseau

 

[calstymes]

clouseau angrily challenged:

Quote from: Cal Stymes on Yesterday at 10:26:48 am

SUPERCASTER reminded us:

I was told right on this board that iBiquity and HD radio <Snip> will soon be everywhere, in everything, standard equipment in every car, <Blah blah Blah>

I do remember those predictions with incredible clarity.

Well maybe "YOU" can show us a source for this comment since you remember it with such "Incredible Clarity".

Where on this board was it ever claimed HD radio "will soon be everywhere, in everything, standard equipment in every car" ?

Please forgive me, inspector, for I have misled you and it was not my intent to do that.

I was not referring to the SPECIFICS of what SUPERCASTER said, but rather, to the general attitude that was pervasive on this message board 2-3 years ago when any poster who reported anything that cast iBiquity or its IBOC technology in a less than stellar light was chastised as being ignorant and considered to be not nearly as intelligent as those posters who got behind this technology from the start. There were posters here who insisted on repeatedly reminding us all that they were employed at large major market broadcast companies and that they knew "best". We were all dismissed as being trouble makers, whiners, complainers, and even worse, DXers.

I believe that Supe was commenting on the overall "experience" we had here in his original post. Certainly, I DO remember being told that HD radio is the wave of the future, would save terrestrial radio broadcasting, produces CD quality sound, has near-perfect reception and is not susceptible to signal dropouts or interference.

 

[Carmine5]

SUPERCASTER reminded us:

I was told right on this board that iBiquity and HD radio <Snip> will soon be everywhere, in everything, standard equipment in every car, <Blah blah Blah>

I do remember those predictions with incredible clarity.

Well maybe "YOU" can show us a source for this comment since you remember it with such "Incredible Clarity".

Where on this board was it ever claimed HD radio "will soon be everywhere, in everything, standard equipment in every car" ?

Clouseau

Yewwh! That would mean getting your hands and arms dirty going back through the muck of all these old posts. Not a pleasant task.

I don't recall the 'HD Radio in every pot' claim but I do remember constant comparisons of the HD Radio rollout to the early days of FM, a comparison that has been frequently debunked by industry experts.

The fact is that HD Radio sales have stalled in the six figures with no great forward momentum in sight. The holy grail of achieving the one million mark for '09 seems just as elusive as ever.

C5

 

[clouseau]

clouseau angrily challenged:

Angrily Challenged? My we're getting touchy.

Please forgive me, inspector, for I have misled you and it was not my intent to do that.

I was not referring to the SPECIFICS of what SUPERCASTER said, but rather, to the general attitude that was pervasive on this message board 2-3 years ago when any poster who reported anything that cast iBiquity or its IBOC technology in a less than stellar light was chastised as being ignorant and considered to be not nearly as intelligent as those posters who got behind this technology from the start. There were posters here who insisted on repeatedly reminding us all that they were employed at large major market broadcast companies and that they knew "best". We were all dismissed as being trouble makers, whiners, complainers, and even worse, DXers

You're kidding me, right? This board has been a cesspool of Anti-HD hatred and thrid grade jokes for as long as I can recall. There have been a few isoloted times when someone actually addressed the juvenile humor and cut through the junk and DX complaints to accuratly display what the HD system will and will not do. And I think you'll find that rarely , IF EVER, do I or even rabid proponents, behave with the level of rancor, hatred of personal abuse that are routinely displayed by those detractors who post here. I will specifically exclude you from that list. There are many others not on it as well, but I am responding to you. Savage took some pretty low class heat about his station in general from one poster, but overall, most of the Neutral to Pro folks appear to be at least civil. But enough of that. Let's review the Gospel according to the "Caps Locked" one.... Here's the first part of what Supe' said.

I was told right on this board that iBiquity and HD radio was the wave of the future, will soon be everywhere, in everything, standard equipment in every car, many portables and pocket radios are being introduced, there are hundreds of new HD radio models now on the market with more being introduced, millions sold, and HD radio will save radio broadcasting.

Excluding AM, 1400 stations have adopted the system with more continuing development. There is a proposal to raise the FM power level. Sounds like the future to me. What part of the rest do you claim has been reported here aside from possibly someone offering an obvious opinion on how it will save radio. ALso keep in mind even if this exists on this board, it's "THIS BOARD". We have a confirmed case of out and out BS with most of this paragraph. How about the second half of his wisdom...

Of course, from the same HD peddlers we heard CD quality sound, no signal dropouts, always perfect reception, get hundreds of new stations between the stations, no interference, HD coverage the same or better then analog, yada, yada. (More like nada, nada.)

What of THIS is actually fact? In particular "HD coverage the same or better then analog". Again, politely as possible, SOURCE PLEASE. While HD "Supporters" (Who are actually not so much supporters as "Non Haters") have been relatively sensible on this board, The Strew Bull, Boobie Titantic 2000 of broadcasting "Intellectual police" have actually MADE many of those statements as a smokescreen. Sure there's been some hype along the way, but compare the sensibility of the two sides on this board.

I believe that Supe was commenting on the overall "experience" we had here in his original post.[/quote]

Ahh. So you feel you're not treated fairly here? Let's see.

Certainly, I DO remember being told that HD radio is the wave of the future,

I addressed this above. ANd that wouldbe an opinoin. Many p[eople still hold it. Even if you don't like it.

would save terrestrial radio broadcasting,

I believe if that was said, it was in reference to AM. Regrettably, I don't think anything will do that. I wrote a piece about AM which was lost in the great board crash of a day ago. I'll rewrite it if I get industrious.

produces CD quality sound,

A 128 KPS stereo stream is pretty close. Also if you actually put the term "CD Quality Sound" in the board search, there is far more discussion "ABOUT" the term than pro HD folks claiming it. It's more smokescreen than reality, even if you dismiss the claim.

and is not susceptible to signal dropouts

Every reference is saw about "Signal dropout" was by an HD radio detractor pointing out that instead of degrading it just had a "Signal Dropout"

or interference.

That's way too broad of a word to search for in a radio forum, but do you remember someone saying it was not susecptable to interference? I often heard the phrase "Static Free" which of course it totally accurate. Also "No Static" many references to hese.

I think my point here is fairly clear. And that is, the representation of those who actually discuss the system is a lot closer to reality than the Bomb Dropping, "Dog Pound" like hyperbole we are routinely subjected to here by the Anti-gang. And don't forget the overt trashing of anyone who doesn't talk bad ENOUGH about it. Neutrality is condsidered support, you know.

As I reread your post, it's very very clear to me the direction some of the "Anti-Gang" is coming from. At least as far as history goes,though, it just doesn't see to pass the smell test. I've seen some of the "Pro HD" things written. Non of them are as far from reality as stuff like this post we're discussing here, IMHO.

And THAT has nothing to do with whether you approve of HD radio or not.

Clouseau

 

[dumber than a box of hair]

Of course, from the same HD peddlers we heard CD quality sound, no signal dropouts, always perfect reception, get hundreds of new stations between the stations, no interference, HD coverage the same or better then analog, yada, yada. (More like nada, nada.)

What of THIS is actually fact? In particular "HD coverage the same or better then analog". Again, politely as possible, SOURCE PLEASE.

My pleasure.

Among the fact-stretchers at http://www.hdradio.com/what_is_hd_digital_radio.php we have these several gems of wisdom:

--FM stations now with CD-quality sound
--Crystal-clear reception with no audio distortion
--No hiss, distortion or station drop off

The iBiquity folks apparently have yet to learn that you don't lie repeatedly to the same people you're asking to be consumers of your product, and think you can get away with it.

As for what's been posted on this board: Where to start? I went back only a few months and found at least two dozen postings by the pro-HD crowd, too many of which parroted the above-cited web site as if triggering a tape playback. What's far worse is the number of pro-HD types who think that destroying the analog signals (you remember those...the place where the radio business makes its money...the place where you, among others, earn a living) is OK in the name of accelerating the move to digital. They clearly haven't had to walk a mile in the shoes of someone like Bob Savage, who is not only being interfered with by a distant station but whose complaints are being ignored by federal regulators who are ignoring their charter from Congress and their obligations under the law.

 

[clouseau]

In particular "HD coverage the same or better then analog". Again, politely as possible, SOURCE PLEASE.

My pleasure.

Among the fact-stretchers at http://www.hdradio.com/what_is_hd_digital_radio.php we have these several gems of wisdom:

--FM stations now with CD-quality sound
--Crystal-clear reception with no audio distortion
--No hiss, distortion or station drop off

I ask about the post on this board and we get a link to Ibiquity. No matter... We have the CD quality thing, which arguably is correct, assuming maximum HD1 Bandwidth. We have Crystal Clear reception with no distortion. You have that. Or you don't. IT's pretty "Clear" to me. NO HIss (Correct) distortion -(Aside from the obvious "No Distortion" which is impossible, corect)- we are all just talking about degrees of distortion anyway, but there's less in 128K FM HD than analog, I'd sauspect. and "No hiss" (Correct) , distortion (again Basically Correct) or station drop off (A complete fabrication). Pretty much the usual XM'Sirius "Crystal clear all digital" hype...

I'll salute you for using the term "fact-stretchers." An accurate description, IMHO I'm sure there is some instance about analog/digital and dropoff, but "No Dropoff is a BS claim." Agreed. NOTHING in these claims are anywhere near as inflated as the "Digital-Disaster.org" BS that has been put forth or the nonesensical Interferes with NYC FM reseption in Boston, tripe. FMHD really isn't causing a problem, IMHO. I'm not alone on this. opinoin as I'm sure you know.

HOWEVER, this original Supercaster post was about THIS board. And not surprisingly, the only link we get is one pointing to a generic HD promo piece at Ibiquity. Talk about unsubstatiated...

I went back only a few months and found at least two dozen postings by the pro-HD crowd, too many of which parroted the above-cited web site as if triggering a tape playback.

No links. What a surprise. You're not answering the question asked, you're answering with the anti, talking points. Again, for the FOURTH TIME in this thread on the EXACT SAME QUESTION, I will ask where the following is?

I was told right on this board that iBiquity and HD radio was the wave of the future, will soon be everywhere, in everything, standard equipment in every car, many portables and pocket radios are being introduced, there are hundreds of new HD radio models now on the market with more being introduced, millions sold, and HD radio will save radio broadcasting.

Who said "Will Be Everywhere"?
Who said it will be "in everything"
Who said it will be "Standard Equipment in every car?"
Who said "many portables and pocket radios "ARE" being introduced?"
Who said "there are hundreds of models "Now" on the market"
Who said "there are "Millions" Sold"

All of these are direct quote from the post in question. I keep hearing these claims and recollections, but when asked for sources, people are "Misunderstood". And now we have the Third Contestant here on Clouseau's "It must be out there somewhere" show.

I beginning to think I need to add a Million Dollar Wedge on the wheel to get an answer.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled whinefest.

[quote[What's far worse is the number of pro-HD types who think that destroying the analog signals (you remember those...the place where the radio business makes its money...the place where you, among others, earn a living) is OK in the name of accelerating the move to digital....
[/quote]

This is the tactic. Fail to responed to the request for accurate sources and then start on the talking points. This is why compaints are not taken seriously at the FCC.

If the sources are out there on this board then REFERENCE IT.

Otherwise how long do we accept this before we decalre it just opinionated BS.

Answer the question already.

Clouseau

 

[KB1OKL]

And I think you'll find that rarely , IF EVER, do I or even rabid proponents, behave with the level of rancor, hatred of personal abuse that are routinely displayed by those detractors who post here.

Clouseau

That was a joke right? I and others who dislike IBOC have been repeatedly bashed, attacked, mocked and bullied on this board by a certain few. The detractors post mostly facts or sarcastic humorous comments about HD, rarely do we come right out and attack other posters, that seems to be the exclusive domain of the PO'ed and beaten down proponents who are sore losers.

 

[calstymes]

KB1OKL pointed out:

I and others who dislike IBOC have been repeatedly bashed, attacked, mocked and bullied on this board by a certain few. The detractors post mostly facts or sarcastic humorous comments about HD, rarely do we come right out and attack other posters, that seems to be the exclusive domain of the PO'ed and beaten down proponents who are sore losers.

Eloquently put! It is the personal attacking that I remember so well and to which I probably should have initially referenced so as not to unintentionally mislead the good inspector.

And my dear clouseau, when I said that you "angrily challenged", I did not mean to convey that I was being touchy or had my feelings hurt in any way by what you asked. To me you sounded a bit bristled (if not rather miffed) and you were challenging me to produce proof. No doubt, the adjective "angry" was too harsh. Once again, I made you think something which I had not intended and for that I do profusely apologize and sincerely hope that you will find it within your heart to forgive.

 

[clouseau]

That was a joke right? I and others who dislike IBOC have been repeatedly bashed, attacked, mocked and bullied on this board by a certain few. The detractors post mostly facts or sarcastic humorous comments about HD, rarely do we come right out and attack other posters, that seems to be the exclusive domain of the PO'ed and beaten down proponents who are sore losers.

Welcome contestant #4.

I see that again we have wandered off the topic of the 'Now appearing to be BS" assertions made earlier. Maybe they're real, Maybe they're not. In an effort to not post anything which gets the thread hijacked, I'll merely mention that I'm sure there are some who feel I'm attacking them by posting in this thread. Not so. When someone posts stuff not based in reality, they tend to get busted. That goes BOTH ways. And where I come from it's not an attack. Despite the "Kevy, Strew-Bull, Boobie" we are trying to exchange ideas here, right?

Clouseau

 

[Carmine5]

Speaking of Ibiquity, here is Struble's latest column:

http://www.ibiquity.com/about_us/bobs_column_thoughts_on_radios_digital_future

Quoth Struble:

"One thing was clear: AM/FM’s competition is increasing...it will be difficult to fight all that new digital competition with analog technology - probably not a great strategy to be the last remaining analog medium in a world that is fully digital."

Nothing like striking the fear of analog obsolescence into the heart of a broadcaster as a way of getting him/her on board with HD Radio.

C5

 

[clouseau]

Speaking of Ibiquity, here is Struble's latest column:

http://www.ibiquity.com/about_us/bobs_column_thoughts_on_radios_digital_future

Quoth Struble:

"One thing was clear: AM/FM’s competition is increasing...it will be difficult to fight all that new digital competition with analog technology - probably not a great strategy to be the last remaining analog medium in a world that is fully digital."

Nothing like striking the fear of analog obsolescence into the heart of a broadcaster as a way of getting him/her on board with HD Radio.

C5

Which do you think is wrong...

1)AM/FM’s competition is increasing
2)it will be difficult to fight all that new digital competition with analog technology
and/or
3)probably not a great strategy to be the last remaining analog medium in a world that is fully digital

I've never been his biggest fan, but don't you think it's a fairly accurate assessment. Or at least a valid opinion? Doen't it seem at least plausible we may actually end up with a totally digital world.

Sound, Telephone, TV, Internet, IPOD, Computer, Radios themselves, you car's brain, Satrad, etc..etc..

There's not a lot of analog left. Does that really strike you as Fear Tactics?

Clouseau

 

[Savage]

"AM/FM's competition" is indeed increasing, but it's largely a self-imposed situation. It's happening because radio executives have forgotten how to offer a unique and local service. Instead Big Corporate Radio has tied itself to the railroad tracks of satrad and portable music devices. Radio's strong suit is "providing relatable local content"...IOW an area where no other medium can effectively compete. When radio gets taken back by people who understand how to do "radio," the audience will return.

In any case, listeners are NOT deserting radio because "it's not digital" or because of sound quality. It's because the programming lacks appeal and they can get better music choices from an iPod.

When was the last listener call you took to the effect "hey, how can I get your station in DIGITAL??" How many times has an advertising prospect told you, "I'd buy your station in a MINUTE if you'd just go DIGITAL."
Have you ever been at an appearance or a remote where some kid said "Ewww. That's KCLU. They're just ANALOG."

So Strewbee thinks we live in a "world which is fully digital?" Really? When did smell go digital? I missed that one. How about the fact that, despite widespread predictions of digital distribution, movies are still mostly being shown from strips of film with sprocket holes which run at 24 fps?

Even if we bought, arguendo, the concept that "radio must go digital," who says freakin' Ibiquity is the answer? Seems to me their system is a piece of dreck which is failing miserably in the field. Maybe the digital answer is DRM or Eureka147.

Stewbee's arrogant lecture contains the typical vague hostility vented on the industry he petulantly demands should be supporting him. Essentially he says we're all dumkopfs because radio isn't stampeding to adopt HD. I don't know about you, but someone with that attitude is NOT someone I would pick for a strategic partner. It's all about him and his needs. If we don't take the oath to slavishly follow IBOC, we're just stupid and backward....have I got that right, Bob-O?

Once again: iBiquity's obnoxious chief is blaming the radio industry for the failure of his botched digital band-aid, instead of his own idiotic engineering. Like I told him in an e-mail a month ago: go ahead and have your public tantrums. Your company isn't gonna be around in five years. I know it. The industry knows it. And YOU know it.

 

[clouseau]

"And to plagiarize a previous column, let me be clear that HD Radio technology is not the silver bullet that will solve all the industry’s woes. Broadcasters will have to do all they historically have done to compete: program, sell, promote, manage costs and develop new revenue streams including online businesses.

Does this sound like a total madman? I hadn't read the column earlier, just responded to the quote.

WHERE"S THE ARROGANCE?

This guy has been protrayed as Satan on this board for a couple of years now. I ask any reasonable per to READ THE COLUMN. The guy is open up front with who he is.

Whoever you are...

If you are so poisoned towards who he is that you don't see any value in what he write RIGHT THERE, then I'm afraid you're blinded by the hate.

Broadcasters will have to do all they historically have done to compete: program, sell, promote, manage costs and develop new revenue streams including online businesses

Yeah they're truly the words of the devil. That and be sure and make fun of his name.

Brilliant!

Clouseau

 

[Tom Wells]

Re: The latest to cut staff: Komori America

I am one of 30 axed today in the process of showing the head office in Tokyo that meaningful savings are being enacted immediately.
The east and west coast offices were closed, and all functions moved to Rolling Meadows, IL.
I bought this used laptop for $50, but the wireless AT&T access card was left at the front desk....
At least I wasn't ushered out, but had a leisurely last day to clean up my stuff, say goodbye to people, shred old paperwork, etc.
We had been hearing this was coming for 6 months now.
I get a good reference anyway, and the best news is that even today as layoffs are being carried out, customers are calling
to complain that their service will suffer with any personnel cuts.
Another possible source of hope was some scuttle that one of my co-workers in "electrical" was just about to jump the ship soon.

Again, my best wishes to all those who also got "reassigned" this week.

phone rings
Addendum: One of my co-workers stopped at a customer on a mechanical job this afternoon and the layoffs were discussed.
That customer wants me to give him a call Monday AM.

 

[KB1OKL]

Re: The latest to cut staff: Komori America

I am one of 30 axed today in the process of showing the head office in Tokyo that meaningful savings are being enacted immediately.
The east and west coast offices were closed, and all functions moved to Rolling Meadows, IL.
I bought this used laptop for $50, but the wireless AT&T access card was left at the front desk....
At least I wasn't ushered out, but had a leisurely last day to clean up my stuff, say goodbye to people, shred old paperwork, etc.
We had been hearing this was coming for 6 months now.
I get a good reference anyway, and the best news is that even today as layoffs are being carried out, customers are calling
to complain that their service will suffer with any personnel cuts.
Another possible source of hope was some scuttle that one of my co-workers in "electrical" was just about to jump the ship soon.

Again, my best wishes to all those who also got "reassigned" this week.

phone rings
Addendum: One of my co-workers stopped at a customer on a mechanical job this afternoon and the layoffs were discussed.
That customer wants me to give him a call Monday AM.

Good luck Tom.

 

[stacker]

"AM/FM's competition" is indeed increasing, but it's largely a self-imposed situation. It's happening because radio executives have forgotten how to offer a unique and local service.

AMEN.

In today's cookie cutter radio world where stations sound the same from market to market, the key is local, local, local. Arcane delivery systems are not the solution. If they were, all an HD station would have to do is pot up the network and turn out the lights. Won't work...never will.

 

[Carmine5]

Speaking of Ibiquity, here is Struble's latest column:

http://www.ibiquity.com/about_us/bobs_column_thoughts_on_radios_digital_future

Quoth Struble:

"One thing was clear: AM/FM’s competition is increasing...it will be difficult to fight all that new digital competition with analog technology - probably not a great strategy to be the last remaining analog medium in a world that is fully digital."

Nothing like striking the fear of analog obsolescence into the heart of a broadcaster as a way of getting him/her on board with HD Radio.

C5

Which do you think is wrong...

1)AM/FM’s competition is increasing
2)it will be difficult to fight all that new digital competition with analog technology
and/or
3)probably not a great strategy to be the last remaining analog medium in a world that is fully digital

I've never been his biggest fan, but don't you think it's a fairly accurate assessment. Or at least a valid opinion? Doen't it seem at least plausible we may actually end up with a totally digital world.

Sound, Telephone, TV, Internet, IPOD, Computer, Radios themselves, you car's brain, Satrad, etc..etc..

There's not a lot of analog left. Does that really strike you as Fear Tactics?

Clouseau

Well, Mr. Savage beat me to the punch but the question is a valid one.

And that is, who, besides iBiquity, is demanding that radio go digital? We know why they want it. IBiquity's future existence depends on the entire industry converting to HD Radio. But who among the listening public or, for that matter, advertisers is demanding that radio be digital? I have yet to read of anyone of importance (and by that I mean listeners and advertisers) who has asked for it. Only iBiquity is in a panic over the slow adoption of their technology.

No doubt, someday radio will be digital, probably due to a mandated analog sunset date from the FCC (after all, OfCom has set 2017 as the year analog broadcasting ends. Would the U.S. follow suit?).

But right now, radio has some major issues that require immediate attention. Going digital isn't one of them.

C5

 

[clouseau]

Tom,

My heartfelt sympathy to you. These things are never easy. Many of us have ben there before. Here's hoping you're able to look back on this time in the near future and realize it was a good thing for you.

All the best to you.

Clouseau